Controversy Surrounds Art Park Plans in Downtown Los Angeles

Plans to transform a long-vacant lot near City Hall in downtown Los Angeles into an art park have stirred controversy among residents and a prominent union. This project, led by nonprofit AltaMed Health Services, involves leasing the two-acre space on 1st Street and Broadway for $175,000 through February next year. AltaMed’s aim is to establish El Corazón Art Park, featuring an art gallery to showcase Mexican and Chicano art, along with 30 boxed trees and a health center. Additionally, a 20-foot video screen will be part of the setup.

The deal has drawn criticism from community members who feel the agreement was made in secrecy. The site was initially promised as a city-owned and operated park, leading to concerns that AltaMed might pursue a more permanent presence. Jens Midthun, head of the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, expressed dissatisfaction with how the process excluded community involvement. We want the people who are going to use the park to be a part of the process. That’s not what happened this time.

AltaMed manages over 40 medical centers in Southern California, employing nearly 6,000 staff members. It focuses on serving Latino and multi-ethnic communities to address health care disparities. AltaMed’s CEO, Cástulo de la Rocha, contributed to Mayor Karen Bass’ transition team following her 2022 election win. He, along with other AltaMed executives, supported Bass’ campaign financially, collectively donating over $34,000. A spokesperson, Kolby Lee, mentioned Bass’s endorsement of AltaMed’s plan as beneficial to the community.

AltaMed’s vice president of public affairs, Christina Sanchez, stated the park will transform a long-underutilized downtown site into a vibrant, publicly accessible space offering free arts, recreation, wellness, and diverse cultural programming. Sanchez highlighted that the park will operate without taxpayer funding and has undergone public review.

Despite community support, opposition arose from the Service Employee International Union, Local 721, which represents over 100,000 Southern California public workers. The union expressed concerns about the need for stricter environmental reviews and questioned details regarding public event charges and health services within the park. It also challenged AltaMed’s ambitions for a long-term lease and the presence of a digital billboard.

AltaMed stated that El Corazón Art Park aligns with its mission as a temporary initiative. The lot’s history is notable; formerly hosting the California State Building, damaged in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake and demolished in 1976. The city acquired the property in 2013 for $10 million, aiming to create a park under former Mayor Villaraigosa’s 50 Parks Initiative.

While a design for the park was announced in 2016, funding constraints halted progress. The city redirected allocated funds to other projects, leaving the lot idle. AltaMed proposed plans for the site to city officials, initially intending a long-term lease and extensive development, but later shifted to a temporary arrangement.

The Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners approved AltaMed’s temporary pop-up park plan, opting for a year-long lease. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, supporting this temporary use, stressed the need for community engagement in long-term site decisions. SEIU 721 appealed the board’s decision to the City Council, which was ultimately dismissed.

Community members remain cautious, worried that without transparent processes, a permanent plan could unfold without adequate public input. Residents like Cassy Horton continue to advocate for clear and fair procedures regarding the future use of the lot.